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Maersk Holds Off on Confirming Suez Canal Return Date
Maersk says it has not yet set a confirmed date for resuming transits through the Suez Canal, despite a public announcement from the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) indicating an early-December return.
The company clarified that operations on the Asia–Europe corridor will restart only when full navigational and security conditions allow, highlighting crew safety as its primary focus — a key concern for global sea freight operators.
SCA Announcement vs. Maersk’s Official Position
The clarification follows a high-level meeting in Ismailia, where Maersk and the SCA signed a new strategic cooperation agreement.
Shortly after the signing, the SCA issued a release saying Maersk vessels would begin returning in early December.
Maersk, however, said the timeline is not yet confirmed, stating:
“We intend to resume navigation as soon as conditions allow, and gradually normalise transits on this route.”
This cautious position reflects the carrier’s broader risk-management strategy after months of Red Sea security incidents.
Improved Security in the Red Sea Corridor
Regional tensions have eased following a suspension of maritime attacks by Houthi forces, helping restore confidence along the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb — a critical chokepoint for global container shipping and east–west sea freight flows.
The SCA said early signs of recovery include:
- Higher traffic levels in October and November
- An increase in eastbound and westbound container services
- Renewed engagement from major carriers, including Maersk and CMA CGM
SCA chairman Admiral Ossama Rabiee described Maersk’s anticipated return as “a step in the right direction” for restoring normal trade flows.
Market Impact: Analysts Say Rates May Decline
Maersk diverted most of its fleet away from the Red Sea last year, routing vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.
Analysts at SEB say Maersk’s early steps toward a Suez return surprised the market:
“Resuming Red Sea navigation will release capacity, putting additional pressure on freight rates.”
While this could push container freight rates lower, analysts argue that carriers need this adjustment cycle to stabilise capacity planning for the coming months.
CMA CGM Also Preparing a Full Return
French carrier CMA CGM is also preparing to fully restore Suez operations next month.
Its 17,859-TEU vessel CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin recently transited the canal — the largest container ship to do so in two years — signalling improving operator confidence.
In response, the SCA has:
- Offered new discounted toll structures for mega-boxships
- Expanded its service support network
- Focused on accelerating a broader reopening of the Red Sea corridor
These steps aim to attract major liners back and stabilise Asia–Europe sea freight schedules.
